Small bedroom ideas from the world's top interior designers

Small bedrooms can be some of the trickiest spaces to decorate, but with the right approach, you can turn them into stylish and functional retreats. The key lies in clever design choices, maximising space, and creating a feeling of openness without sacrificing comfort. Whether you're working with a cramped city apartment or a tiny guest room, these 87 small bedroom ideas from the world's top interior designers will inspire you to make the most of every inch.

1. Go for a Light Colour Palette

Light hues like whites, pale blues, soft greys, and neutral tones make a room feel airy and open. Avoid dark colours on walls and ceilings to prevent the room from feeling closed in.

• Design Tip: Soft pastels and whites not only reflect more light but also create a calming atmosphere, perfect for a small bedroom.

2. Use Mirrors to Expand the Space

Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space. They can visually double the size of a small room and help make it feel brighter.

• Design Tip: A full-length mirror or a large wall mirror will amplify both light and space in a small room.

3. Opt for Multifunctional Furniture

In a small bedroom, furniture that can serve multiple purposes will help optimise space. Think beds with storage, fold-out desks, or ottomans that double as coffee tables.

• Design Tip: A storage bed with drawers or a lofted bed with space underneath can drastically improve storage in tight spaces.

4. Install Floating Furniture

Floating furniture such as wall-mounted nightstands, desks, and shelves creates a sense of openness. It also allows for better floor circulation and makes the room feel larger.

• Design Tip: Wall-mounted nightstands and desks leave the floor visible, enhancing the sense of space.

5. Keep the Bed as the Focal Point

The bed should be the centrepiece of your small bedroom. Choose a sleek, simple headboard and avoid bulky furniture that can overwhelm the space.

• Design Tip: Opt for a low-profile bed to create a more open feel and prevent visual clutter.

6. Use Vertical Storage

In small bedrooms, it's essential to utilise vertical space. Tall bookshelves, hanging organisers, and high-mounted shelves can keep things organised without taking up valuable floor space.

• Design Tip: Install floating shelves above the bed or along the walls to keep your essentials handy yet off the floor.

7. Embrace Minimalism

A minimalist bedroom layout is perfect for small spaces. The less furniture and decor you use, the more open and uncluttered the room will feel.

• Design Tip: Stick to simple shapes and keep the furniture layout sparse to maintain the sense of spaciousness.

8. Create a Cozy Nook with a Window Seat

If your small bedroom has a window, consider adding a built-in window seat. It's a perfect reading nook or just a spot to relax.

• Design Tip: Add cushions, soft throws, and a small table for an inviting and functional corner.

9. Use Bold Accent Walls

A bold, dark-coloured accent wall can add drama to a small bedroom without overwhelming it. Just make sure to keep the rest of the room light and airy.

• Design Tip: Dark paint or wallpaper behind the bed can create a striking focal point without cramping the space.

10. Try a Sliding Door

If your room is tight, replace a standard door with a sliding one. This saves valuable space and keeps your flow intact.

• Design Tip: Sliding doors open up more usable space in tight rooms, whether it’s for a closet or the room’s entrance.

11. Keep the Ceiling Light

A light-coloured ceiling, like white or a soft pale hue, can make a room feel larger and more open.

• Design Tip: A pale ceiling colour helps reflect light and creates the illusion of height in a room.

12. Utilise Built-In Furniture

Built-in furniture like closets, wardrobes, or even a built-in desk can save space and create a streamlined look in your small bedroom.

• Design Tip: Custom-built units allow you to make the most out of every inch without taking up unnecessary room.

13. Go for Smart Lighting

A small room needs flexible lighting to maintain a sense of spaciousness. Layer your lighting with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lights.

• Design Tip: Consider wall-mounted sconces or pendant lights instead of table lamps to save space on your nightstand.

14. Play with Texture

Use texture to add depth and warmth to your bedroom without using too much furniture or accessories. A textured rug, a soft throw, or a tufted headboard can make the room feel cozy.

• Design Tip: Mix different textures like linen bedding, wool throws, and velvet cushions for a rich yet understated look.

15. Floating Desk Space

If you work from home and your bedroom is your office, opt for a floating desk that takes up less room and provides more space for other uses.

• Design Tip: Wall-mounted desks take up minimal space and provide a functional work area without crowding the room.

16. Use a Canopy Bed

A small bedroom can benefit from the drama of a canopy bed, which creates vertical interest without adding much bulk to the space.

• Design Tip: Go for a lightweight, minimalist canopy to avoid the room feeling too enclosed.

17. Try a Wall-Mounted Headboard

Wall-mounted or upholstered headboards are ideal for small bedrooms since they free up space on the floor and create a sleek, contemporary look.

• Design Tip: A neutral or subtle pattern on the headboard adds a chic touch without overwhelming the space.

18. Use Translucent Furniture

Light, transparent furniture such as acrylic or glass tables and chairs helps keep the room feeling open and airy, even if it's small.

• Design Tip: Opt for a glass coffee table or acrylic side table to reduce visual clutter in a tight space.

19. Hang Curtains Higher

Hanging curtains closer to the ceiling or above the window frame will create the illusion of taller walls and more height in the room.

• Design Tip: Floor-to-ceiling curtains make the room appear bigger by drawing the eye upward.

20. Create a Zen-Style Retreat

Turn your small bedroom into a peaceful sanctuary by embracing a minimalist, Zen-inspired design with calming colours, a clean layout, and natural elements like plants and wood.

• Design Tip: Keep the decor to a minimum, use light wood tones, and add plants to evoke a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.

21. Utilise Every Nook

If your room has alcoves or corners, make the most of these spaces by using corner shelves, wall-mounted lighting, or even a small chair.

• Design Tip: Look for narrow furniture or accessories that fit seamlessly into these pockets of space.

22. Try a Lofted Bed

Lofting your bed can free up tons of floor space. This works especially well in studio apartments or rooms where you need to maximise storage or add a functional workspace.

• Design Tip: Create a cozy reading nook or a small desk area underneath the lofted bed.

23. Add a Touch of Glam with Metallics

Accents of gold, silver, or brass can add a sense of luxury to a small bedroom without taking up any physical space.

• Design Tip: Use metallics sparingly, such as in a mirror frame, light fixture, or accent pillow, for a chic touch.

24. Keep Clutter Out of Sight

A tidy bedroom is a spacious bedroom. Use storage solutions like under-bed drawers, wardrobe organisers, and hidden storage to keep everything in its place.

• Design Tip: Use decorative baskets or bins to organise small items out of sight but still within reach.

25. Add a Tapestry or Art Above the Bed

A large, framed piece of art or a woven tapestry can draw attention upward and create visual interest without taking up floor space.

• Design Tip: Opt for oversized, minimalist art to make a statement without crowding the room.

26. Incorporate Soft, Cozy Layers

Add layers of soft textures like fluffy rugs, cozy throws, and plump pillows to create a warm, inviting bedroom without overcrowding the space.

• Design Tip: Choose light or neutral fabrics for cushions, bedding, and throws to maintain a spacious and comfortable atmosphere.

27. Use Foldable Furniture

Foldable furniture pieces like chairs or desks can be easily stored when not in use, allowing you to maximise space when you need it.

• Design Tip: Look for collapsible chairs or wall-mounted desks that provide flexibility without taking up permanent space.

28. Choose a Sleek Platform Bed

A low-profile platform bed gives the room a modern, clean look, helping to maximise space and visually elongate the room.

• Design Tip: A platform bed without a bulky headboard allows for more flexibility in furniture placement.

29. Keep the Colour Scheme Simple

Keep your colour palette neutral and cohesive. This avoids overwhelming the space and helps the room feel bigger and more serene.

• Design Tip: Stick with a monochromatic colour scheme or a simple palette of two or three complementary colours.

30. Install Overhead Lighting

For a small bedroom, overhead lighting is a great way to avoid clutter on nightstands or tables.

• Design Tip: Install recessed lighting or pendant lights for a modern, functional solution.

31. Create a Seamless Look with Matching Furniture

In small rooms, consistency is key. Choose furniture that matches in style and colour to create a streamlined, harmonious look that doesn’t feel too busy.

• Design Tip: A matching bed frame, nightstands, and storage pieces create a cohesive, visually balanced space.

32. Embrace Monochrome

Using a single colour in varying shades can create a serene, unified space that doesn’t feel cramped.

• Design Tip: Choose soft greys or muted tones for a calming, contemporary vibe.

33. Add Greenery

Small plants or hanging planters can bring life to your small bedroom without taking up much space.

• Design Tip: Opt for low-maintenance plants like snake plants or succulents to create a fresh and calming atmosphere.

34. Install Custom Built-In Closets

If you lack closet space, custom built-ins are a game-changer. These can be designed to fit into any small bedroom and will help keep your space organised.

• Design Tip: Consider open shelving or sliding doors for a modern, space-saving closet solution.

These  small bedroom ideas can help you create a space that feels larger, more organised, and more stylish. By incorporating these clever tricks from top interior designers, you can transform your small bedroom into a peaceful retreat that’s as functional as it is beautiful!